Day trip OUT of London

[RubyFakeLips]

DH an I have a day off together this week and fancy heading out of London. We want to go on public transport as DS is using our car that day.

Only for the day, just the two of us. We would probably prefer a city/town than countryside but could be tempted. Not desperate for shopping.

Any suggestions?

Brighton?

Cambridge or Brighton? To be honest I like Brighton out of season, you can visit the pier and get some nice sea air and fish and chips?

Cambridge?

Guildford

Oxford, Bath, Bristol?

Where in London are you starting from? That would be a key decider

Norwich has a great Christmas market

Rochester is lovely.

We're in East London

Brighton ! Love Brighton out of season.

Winchester, Bath, Cambridge?

If you go for Cambridge, there are a number of museums. I'll warn you now, you need to book a slot, should you wish to visit.

Get straight on the M11 and go to Cambridge. Use the park and ride and its very easy. Lots of museums, shops, restaurants and interesting walks around the colleges. They are still offering punting trips too - lovely with a mulled wine

Winchester for the Christmas market by the cathedral?

Canterbury is lovely, and v quick from Stratford/St Pancras. Whitstable is lovely too, but check the tide unless you want to look at a lot of mud (and don't think about swimming).

Nottingham lovely too but will take a while longer

Seconding Canterbury.

Another vote for Canterbury, plenty to see, some nice pubs, not too long a journey.

And the Canterbury Christmas lights are very pretty this year!

And yes, very easily reached from Stratford if you're starting from East London.

Canterbury would be my suggestion as it takes about an hour from Stratford. If you fancy the sea, Broadstairs is a few stops further and on the same line. Some really nice pubs and cafes there now and a walk along the sea front might be nice (but a bit bracing).

Cambridge for sure. Lovely city and lots to see just walking around.

Canterbury and Winchester both look lovely. Any specific tips for either?

We've both spent quite a bit of time in Cambridge and Oxford and have to confess I'm not a fan of Brighton.

Definitely Canterbury, only 45 minutes on the high speed from Stratford, beautiful city, loads to see and do. What are your interests?

We like Galleries/Musuems, food and theatre. I prefer Art but DH into history. Pretty flexible though nothing outdoorsy.

Christmas shopping done so not desperate for that.

Winchester: Christmas market a big draw, lovely walks through the streets around the cathedral, college and through St Cross. Hospital of St Cross (alms houses) if you like history. Lots of independent ships abs nice bars. Inn the Park yummy restaurant.

Shops not ships!!